Mailroom Clerk Job Description

The primary role of a mailroom clerk is to process and distribute incoming mail to employees in a corporate setting. They sort mail by hand or might use sorting machines. They log incoming mail into an internal system as required. Mailroom clerks also deliver messages and packages from one department or individual to another within an office, maintain shipping and mailing supplies, such as envelopes, tape, and stamps, and keep an inventory of these supplies. In addition, mailroom clerks handle all outgoing packages; they package items, ensure proper labeling, and arrange pickup from the post office, UPS, FedEx, or other carriers.

Mailroom clerks work for companies in any type of industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of general office clerks, including mailroom clerks, is expected to see little or no change over the 2016-2026 decade. The increase in the use of automated systems might negatively impact this occupation, though not significantly as mailroom clerks would typically be needed to operate these systems.

Mailroom Clerk Duties and Responsibilities

Mailroom clerks must perform various tasks in order to fulfill all of the demands of this occupation. After examining several job listings for this job title, we have found that the following are among those most commonly mentioned in association with mailroom clerks:

Sort and Distribute Mail

The main responsibility of a mailroom clerk is to sort incoming and interoffice mail and distribute to employees and departments. Mailroom clerks might use a computer or automated system to sort mail and track its delivery.

Manage Inventory of Shipping Supplies

Mailroom clerks are typically responsible for maintaining an adequate supply of shipping materials, such as boxes, tape, and labels. They might utilize a computerized inventory system to manage the inventory of these items and re-order materials as needed to keep the required amount of supplies on hand.

Handle Outgoing Packages

In many cases, mailroom clerks are not only responsible for incoming mail but outgoing packages as well. They pick up outgoing mail from departments and prepare packages for shipment. Mailroom clerks typically choose the best methods for shipment, box and label packages, and make arrangements with carriers for pick up times.

Mailroom Clerk Skills

It is important for mailroom clerks to demonstrate strong communication, organizational, and customer service skills to succeed in this profession. Mailroom clerks should be detail-oriented multitaskers who are able to stand and carry packages for long periods of time. Time management skills and the ability to work independently are essential for this occupation. In addition, the ability to prioritize when it comes to the delivery and shipping of parcels is critical for those in this role. Besides these skills, it is important for mailroom clerks to possess the following abilities:

Sort mail by department and individual employees

Distribute incoming and interoffice mail in a timely manner

Prepare outgoing shipments

Arrange package pickups with appropriate carriers

Manage inventory of shipping and mail supplies

Mailroom Clerk Tools of the Trade

It is up to mailroom clerks to utilize various tools in order to complete their daily tasks. If you wish to become a mailroom clerk, you should have an understanding or working knowledge of the following:

Basic office equipment – from copiers to fax machines, mailroom clerks often employ the use of various office machines to complete necessary tasks

Mailroom Clerk Salary

The BLS reports that the median annual salary of a mailroom clerk is $29,160; those earning in the 10th percentile can realize a salary of $19,110, while those in the highest 10 percent are paid a median annual wage of $45,220. Those working in federal offices or in particular industries, such as aerospace or natural gas distribution, tend to see the highest annual mean wages. Mailroom clerks working in the District of Columbia ($43,680), Alaska ($36,930) and Massachusetts ($35,800) are paid the highest annual mean wages in the U.S., according to the BLS.

Mailroom Clerk Resources

It is usually helpful to review various resources when choosing a career. Below you will find links to a few resources that will shed more light on what it takes to become and work as a mailroom clerk.

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